Winemaker Notes
The 2006 OV blend draws its personality from the same sources as it big brother, the FUTO blend. The parallels in aromatics, body and overall intensity of this red blend give our OV the recognizable distinction that is this Oakville estate. Aromatics are vibrant and focused on fresh cherry and red currant layered with exotic spices. These aromatics carry over to the palate. The mouth feel is rich and generous with an abundance of velvety tannin. Matched to the ripe tannin profile, the complexity of this wine evolves further with smoky mineral notes.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2006 Futo (75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot) exhibits a deep ruby/blue/purple color, a flawless integration of tannin, acidity, wood, and alcohol, and gorgeous opulence. While Futo is situated on western hillsides overlooking Oakville, it displays a style that has more in common with the purity and elegance found in Screaming Eagle, which is a few miles to the east, on the valley floor. This beautiful 2006 is a resounding success for this vintage, which had some issues with rustic tannins.
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Wine Spectator
Starts smooth, rich and supple, with spicy currant, black cherry, wild berry and plum, with hints of black olive, cedar and cigar box. Full-bodied, firming on the finish. Very tight at this stage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.